EKT and iP4 merge for winning STB

China’s EKT (Eagle Kingdom Technologies), a supplier of advanced STB solutions and iP4 (iP4.tv GmbH), a developer of advanced STB middleware called solidTV, have joined forces in a merger that sees a seamless integration of the iP4.tv STB middleware and the Advanced Hardware solutions from EKT.

The merger allows EKT to offer cost effective solutions ranging from Zappers through to highly complex interactive models. All EKT Set Top Boxes are easily customisable and suitable for both the Operator and Retail Markets.

“EKT and iP4 have already been working closely together for the last 24 months and a merge was the logical next step to further integrate software and hardware for our customers,” says Richard Smith, CEO of EKT. “We have always been about delivering innovative STB solutions and in line with today’s trends of interactivity, Hybrid, OTT and IPTV we want to offer a complete package to our customers.

The combination will continue to operate under the EKT brand name and be headquartered in Shenzhen China. All solidTV developments will continue to be run from the current iP4 office in Furtwangen, Germany.

“Working with the team from EKT over the last years has proven to us that 1 + 1 is really 3 in our business,” said Christof Winker, Managing director of iP4.tv. “iP4 has been on the forefront of SoC STB software and the solidTVT solution has been in development for over 10 years. Combining our IP and knowledge with the fast experience in hardware design, CAS integration and manufacturing of EKT makes our combination a valuable contender for any operator that is looking for a feature rich STB solution.

Smith continues, “Merging with iP4 allows us to deliver on our promise of Tier 1 STB solutions at market breaking price points. We combine the best of Asian engineering and manufacturing with Western high end software, sales/marketing support and management. The new and improved global EKT now make a serious partner for any operator looking for the latest in technology whilst keeping cost under control.